by Irina Diaconescu

Created on: November 23, 2011   Last Updated: November 27, 2011

Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals and they are very eager to please their owners. No matter how big or small a dog is though, no matter how smart the breed reputation is, a dog will revert to its natural instincts without proper guidance and training. There is no excuse for a misbehaving dog other than a lazy or clueless owner.

Dogs can be taught routines as soon as they are weaned. The main factor in teaching a dog anything new including walking on a leash, is consistency and follow through from their owner. If the owner becomes inconsistent, so will the dog. Dogs are pack animals and like any other pack, they need a pack leader. This is where they look to their owner for guidance and support. Being on a leash is not a natural feeling for a dog, so their initial reflex is to fight it. Here are the steps needed to be taken for a dog to properly learn how to walk on a leash:

Find a treat the dog really enjoys and use that in all instances where the dog is being taught something new, including walking on a leash. The owner should first teach the dog the “sit” command, so that they won’t have to chase the dog all over the house just to put a leash on them.

Once the dog has mastered the “sit” command, it should be fairly easy to put a leash on them. Gently take your dog outside. Before even attempting to take a dog on a walk, the owner should begin practicing just moving about with the dog on a leash, so that the dog understands what is being asked of them.

Find a large space with no distractions such as cars, people, trees, etc., otherwise the dog will catch a whiff of something and you will lose control of it. A parking lot or backyard will do. Use a 12’ leash in the beginning, as this gives the dog some freedom to exercise being on a leash. Your dog should always be on your left side as you’re performing this exercise. If the dog moves sides, redirect it to your left side as needed. Hold the leash with both hands in front of you, at navel level and start walking in any given direction. It is important that you do not pay attention to your dog during this time. Do not talk to the dog, do not look at the dog, except out of the corner of your eye. The point is for the dog to understand they have to go wherever you go without any other prompt but the leash.

Be careful not to pull on the leash at any given time, as pulling may hurt the dog and they will associate the leash with an unpleasant situation, which will result

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